Mike Hope posts beefcake photos to land acting job

Republican Rep. Mike Hope is counting on his brawn to carry him to a big role on the big screen.

The muscular Mill Creek representative shows off his sculpted and oiled physique in a shirtless photo on IMDb, a database of those involved in the movie industry. There are 14 other pictures of him including a couple in which he's fully clothed.

Hope, 37, insisted the photos are not doctored or digitally enhanced – which other Washington lawmakers are known to do. And the former personal trainer said he's done it with weights and cardio and without the aid of any muscle-maximizing products

"There's no touch-up. It's all me," Hope said, his voice brimming with pride.

Stripping down and striking a pose shouldn't hurt his political career either, he said.

Voters in the 44th Legislative District who like what they see of his politics enough to elect him three times are going to get a lot more to look at with these photos.

For those who know me, he said, "that's a routine outfit I wear in the summer."

Hope did lose a 2011 bid for Snohomish County executive and is now eying the job of county sheriff next. Again, no concern the photos might weigh him down if he applies or runs for the job.

"I do understand there is a potential" for backlash, he said. "Nobody's made any comments. Nobody's asked me to remove the photos."

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